Notes: Ball to sit again, Jackson on his fine and more

For yet another week, the Texans will be without cornerback Alan Ball, who has missed all of December with a foot injury he suffered in practice.

Ball was the only Texans player declared out. Safety Shiloh Keo, who suffered an ankle injury Thursday, was listed as questionable. Keo did not practice Friday.

The Texans also listed linebacker Brooks Reed as questionable. Reed suffered a torn groin on Thanksgiving and returned to play last week against the Vikings on a limited basis. Coaches said earlier in the week that Reed would be limited during Sunday’s game in Indianapolis but could see his playing time expanded as he healed.

Defensive back Brice McCain, who had foot surgery Dec. 3, said he will be getting out of the boot he wears on Monday.

The Texans placed McCain on injured reserve and designated him to return. McCain would be eligible to begin practicing six weeks after the designation, and he could be activated after eight weeks on IR, which would make him available for the Super Bowl if the Texans make it.

League fines Jackson $21,000

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson was shocked to be fined $21,000 for a hit on Vikings receiver Jarius Wright that did not draw a flag.

But Jackson said even fines like that and potential flags don’t cross his mind when going to make a hit. He’d rather risk the penalty than risk giving up a touchdown.

“It’s definitely hard because nowadays you have guys running 4.3s and 4.2s and the only thing we can do to slow them down is to hit them and to touch them,” Jackson said. “So at the same time, it’s kind of unfair to us as players, especially defensive players because after five yards you already can’t touch them. Once they get a full head of steam, the only thing I can do is when the ball is thrown, try to make a solid hit.

“We’re not trying to make any dirty hits as defensive players, but at the same time, you never know if you make a big-time hit, it could change the game around.”

Jackson had an ally in defensive end Antonio Smith, himself the recipient of hefty fines this season. Smith said he’s noticed offensive players showing more “courage” going across the middle, knowing the leeway they now have. Smith added that if Jackson hadn’t hit Wright hard, “he would still be running. Today.”

Jackson was also fined $5,250 for wearing the wrong colored socks on Sunday, as was linebacker Connor Barwin.

Texans safety Danieal Manning was fined $10,000 for unnecessary roughness for grabbing a face mask in that game.

“You know, I think it was a good excuse from some of the weather this morning,” Kubiak said. “We could’ve practice outside. It wasn’t a problem, but I think it really worked out good for us.

“The noise level inside our bubble compared to outside is not even close and what we’re fixing to go into we really needed to work cadence wise and some of the things we’re doing offensively.”

The Indianapolis Colts play in a domed stadium as well.

Sandy Hook kids pay team a visit

The Texans had some special visitors on Friday. A group of children connected with Sandy Hook Elementary School, the site of one of a deadly mass shooting earlier this month, visited Reliant Stadium as part of a visit to Houston. The children were brought in by Dynamo President and Connecticut native Chris Canetti.

Defensive end J.J. Watt, receiver Andre Johnson and center Chris Myers were among the players who visited with the children.

The Texans also donated $70,000 to the United Way of Connecticut after a silent auction from Sunday’s game against the Vikings. The team donated the proceeds of the auction plus a team donation that matched the amount raised.

Texans running back Arian Foster (23) fumbles as he is hit by Vikings linebackers Jasper Brinkley (54) and Erin Henderson (50) for a turnover during the second quarter.

Texans running back Arian Foster (23) fumbles as he is hit by Vikings linebackers Jasper Brinkley (54) and Erin Henderson (50) for a turnover during the second quarter.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 94

A Texans fan reacts during the fourth quarter of the loss to the Vikings.

A Texans fan reacts during the fourth quarter of the loss to the Vikings.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 3 of 94

Minnesota defensive tackle Fred Evans (90) drops Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) for a 14-yard loss during the third quarter. The play came on a third-and-goal at the Vikings 1-yard line, forcing the Texans to settle for a field goal. less

Minnesota defensive tackle Fred Evans (90) drops Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) for a 14-yard loss during the third quarter. The play came on a third-and-goal at the Vikings 1-yard line, forcing the Texans ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 94

Texans fan Chris Lockridge reacts after the Vikings scored a touchdown to take a 23-6 lead during the fourth quarter.

Texans fan Chris Lockridge reacts after the Vikings scored a touchdown to take a 23-6 lead during the fourth quarter.